Local economies
Local results will supercharge the levelling up ambitions
The Conservative government is now set to enjoy an assured position of dominance and power at local and national level, says chief executive of Localis Jonathan Werran.
MJ Housing: Homing in on housing in Kingston
Kingston RLBC’s leader Caroline Kerr and chief executive Ian Thomas are united in their commitment to building new houses in the borough, including council homes. Ann McGauran reports.
A threefold plan for high streets in Surrey
Regenerating high streets and towns after the tragedy of COVID-19 calls for a collaborative and fully inclusive approach that uses existing assets and reflects the distinct identity of each place, says Michael Coughlin.
I have a dream (about local government)
Greater powers, more devolution and a fundamental review of local finances have been promised to local government by the Prime Minister himself. John Tizard outlines the wide-ranging policy pledges featured in his recent dream.
No accord on levelling up
An analysis by Localis calls the Government’s Plan for Growth ‘a centralist strategy’ in which ‘the question of devolution is not given much emphasis’. It's not surprising that confidence in the programme seems to be draining away, says Paul Marinko.
We need more than fancy slogans to reach the right level
Boris Johnson will personally turn his attention to levelling up, with a 'swanky new unit with a trusted ally and a rebranded Levelling Up White Paper', says Heather Jameson. But where has the real devolution gone, she wonders.
EXCLUSIVE: Cross-cutting regions project faces Whitehall downgrade
The scheme was designed to unite Whitehall departments and regions across the country.
Starfish Talent 20 – Place
In the first of a series of articles, Starfish Search and The MJ showcase some of the top talent in local government, starting with 20 rising stars from the place portfolio of services.
Cities are core to driving post-COVID recovery
Core Cities is planning a virtual event next month - G7 C7 - 'that will bring together city networks like ourselves from across the G7 countries to discuss topics including Net Zero and economic recovery', says Cllr Nick Forbes.
A delicate balance
Whether it will achieve its lofty, yet nebulous, objectives and relentless focus north of the Watford Gap, the Government’s levelling up agenda has a long way to go. Martin Ford reports.
The UK Investment Bank: an opportunity for collaboration?
Sean Hanson of Local Partnerships says The UK Infrastructure Bank provides the opportunity to look further ahead, 'allowing the sector to work with the Bank to develop capability and capacity and help develop a real collaborative approach'.
No simple north-south divide, says report
There is no simple north-south divide, a new report by Legal and General (L&G) has argued.
Level up basic skills to 'build back better,' says CPP
Levelling up basic skills could boost employment by up to 302,000 in the most deprived local authorities, according to new analysis by the Centre for Progressive Policy (CPP).
The risks of Sunak’s freeports
The freeports policy is poised to be a main plank of the levelling up agenda. But there are concerns they could become hotspots for organised crime – risks that could lead to significant extra burdens for councils. Paul Marinko reports.
The potential of new social value measures is huge
The impact of the UK Government’s new social value measures should not be underestimated, as they prioritise what’s important, according to David Dinsdale.
What next for placemaking? A checklist for local leadership teams
A new paper lays out an agenda for local economic renewal post COVID and Brexit, along with seven practical steps for leadership teams to consider, says David Marlow.
LEPs: delivering on jobs and diversity
Local enterprise partnerships have worked across boundaries and borders to help create or preserve almost 18,000 jobs, and as Stacey King explains, they have also made great strides on diversity.
Behind the levelling up smoke and mirrors
The Government’s flagship super-deduction policy stands to benefit London and the South East the most, says Ben Franklin – and it is not explicitly targeted at the most deprived communities in the capital.
Sparking a digital revolution in the Thames Estuary
Catalysing best-in-class digital infrastructure in the Thames Estuary is key to providing benefits for local residents, workers and visitors, says Kate Willard.
City leaders raise concerns over levelling up fund
Council leaders have questioned the how effective the Government’s levelling up fund will prove to be.
